The official IELTS by IDP app is here! Download it today.

Close

Get expert answers to your IELTS questions

We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
An actual IELTS test goes through a rigorous process to ensure it is standardised for candidates. Mock tests may not go through the same process, but it can depend on who produced it.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
You can't do much to improve you language skills in a week. Therefore, it may be best to just focus on the format of the test and become familiar with the task types.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
If it is an English word, then use it. The origin of the word doesn't matter. Just make sure you use the right spelling and pronunciation, plus you use it in the right context.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 26, 2025

Last answered by Jess

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to wear a watch during your IELTS test. This covers all forms of watches, not just smart watches. There will be clocks and/or regular time checks provided throughout your test so you can accurately manage your time.
Jun 26, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconFeb 7, 2025

Last answered by Jess

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
For the Listening and Reading tests you can write your answers in all capital letters if you want to. There are no rules about writing in Lower or Upper case for the Listening and Reading.
Feb 7, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Yes. It is possible for both your individual skill (e.g. speaking) and your overall band score ti appear in half bands.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
I’d recommend the IELTS by IDP app. It’s free to download in the App Store or on Google Play. You can use this app to book your IELTS test, prepare and later access your test results. There are plenty of study materials to choose from such as articles, videos, webinars, podcasts and online courses. You can also practise grammar and vocabulary with interactive quizzes and flashcards.

Read more

Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
If you book your IELTS test with IDP, you’ll receive free access to an online course developed by Macquarie University experts. You can choose one IELTS skill to study (Reading, Writing, Listening, or Speaking) and get all the study materials for 30 days. Or, if you want to study all four skills, you can get free access to everything for 4 days.  You can also get access to a guided IELTS short course developed by E2 Test Prep when you download the IELTS by IDP app. Our app offers a free 14-day trial with the offer to upgrade for expert feedback.

Read more

Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Even though a wide range of vocabulary can help you understand the text better, if there is a word you don't know, you can try to work out the meaning from context. Some words will not have an impact on the understanding of the article or question.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Firstly, remember that they appear in order in the text, so that can help you locate the answers quickly. Highlight the key word in the question and see if you can answer it. Compare your answer to the muliple choice options and see which one best fits. Make sure the whole sentence fits - not just 1 or 2 key words.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJun 17, 2025

Last answered by Rocco

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
These questions appear in chronological order, but that does not mean the article has been arranged in the same way. Take note of any time references or sequence words.
Jun 17, 2025
icon1
iconShare
iconJul 24, 2025

Last answered by Linda

person
Answers from experts
personverified-icon
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Some people find short answer questions challenging because they require you to write or type your answer to a question, rather than choosing it from a list of options. Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for these kinds of questions.   Before your read the text (or before the audio starts for IELTS Listening), read the instructions carefully and check how many words you can write in each blank (e.g. one word, two words, or a number). Identify keywords in the questions. This will help you focus on the most important information in the recording or the text and identify what type of information you are looking for.   After writing or typing your answer, don’t forget to check your spelling as the answer may be marked wrong if it is incorrect.

Read more

Jul 24, 2025
profileverified-icon

Fahad Rafique

flag

Canada

16 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

profileverified-icon

Jess Christie

flag

Australia

8 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

profileverified-icon

Lewis Crannitch

flag

New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

profileverified-icon

Linda Alley

flag

Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

profileverified-icon

Reza Tasviri

flag

Australia

18 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

profileverified-icon

Rocco Nigro

flag

Australia

26 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

profileverified-icon

Vincent Blokker

flag

Australia

11 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

profileverified-icon

Vishal Ramesh

flag

India

1 year

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Your friendly neighbourhood community manager

Last online Mar 4, 2025

Show less

Powered byTap logo

Read more about what IELTS experts have to say

1
1
2
2
3
3